Jerry Falwell (August 11, 1933 – May 15, 2007) was a politically active American evangelical, and one of the biggest influences on the conservative movement in the late 20th century and a leader in gaining Christian Evangelical support for Israel. [1] Falwell was born on August 11, 1933 along with his twin brother, Gene. Jerry and Gene were the youngest children in a family of 5. Young Jerry Falwell was recognized for his incredible intellect at a young age, skipping the second grade at Mountain View Elementary School. He held firm on this intelligence, even finding a way to obtain his driver's license at the age of 13 - 3 years before he was legally eligible.

Contents

Early years

During his teen years, Falwell excelled in athletic endeavors. During high school Falwell played football, basketball and baseball. He valued athletics for their numerous benefits: teamwork, coordination, fitness and overall health.

Dr. Falwell became a committed Christian on January 20, 1952 while enrolled at Lynchburg College. He bought his first Bible the day after his baptism, and carried it with him wherever he went. After graduating Lynchburg College, Falwell enrolled in Baptist Bible College in Missouri, later joining the vaulted rank of clergy. [2] In 1956, he founded Thomas Road Baptist Church in an abandoned bottling plant, [3] and today the church has 22,000 members.

Ministry

In 1971, Falwell founded Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. The University provides an opportunity for students to gain the benefits of a rich and diverse academic environment while simultaneously offering the opportunity to become closer to God.

Moral Majority

In June of 1979, Dr. Falwell organized the Moral Majority, a coalition of groups whose mailing lists reached over 100,000 clergy representing over 7 million conservative, religious Americans. The Moral Majority, part of the Religious Right, organized a series of voting drives and political demonstrations to advance their conservative point of view and enhance the moral and religious attitudes of the nation. It is best known for supporting Ronald Reagan's election in 1980, and registering millions of voters to act on his behalf. The Moral Majority played little role during the Reagan years; Falwell stepped down as its leader in 1987 and it was disbanded in 1989.

Controversy

Falwell is well known outside of Evangelical circles for his claim, made on "The 700 Club" on September 13th of 2001 that it was not just al Qaeda that was to blame for the terrorist attacks of 9/11. He said, ""I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'" The liberal media jumped on his statement and Falwell apologized soon after.[2]

Barry Goldwater, far from being a social conservative in his old age, won the praise of the liberal media by his idiotic remark that "Every good Christian should line up and kick Jerry Falwell's ass."[3]

Personal Life

Reverend Falwell and his wife Macel were married on April 12, 1958. The couple had three children: Jerry Jr., Jonathan and Jeannie. Jerry is currently an attorney and Vice-Chancellor at Liberty University. Jonathan is an attorney and pastor in Lynchburg, Virginia. Jeannie is a surgeon in Virginia.